HOLY WEEK approaches, and the help that church art and architecture give to worshippers is going to be keenly missed by everyone trapped in a domestic setting. As our contribution, the Church Times has converted its front page into a poster for readers’ walls or windows, or simply to leave somewhere as an object of contemplation.
This week, the crucifixion; next week, we will anticipate Easter in our Maundy Thursday issue with a resurrection image that can be used similarly.
Another contribution, the A4 sheet “Lift Up Your Hearts”, has been warmly received, readers tell us. We can’t afford to print it for you every week, but the pdf is available on our website for free downloading and printing. You can preview the contents here, this week featuring Canon Mark Oakley. Last week’s is still available, too.
Apart from that, there is the newspaper, of course. You will have to find the contents without the headlines on the cover, but I am confident that you’ll find some extraordinarily good pieces this week: thoughtful and pertinent to our times.
And the Church Times website: this continues to be very active, bringing you up-to-date news stories and comment about life under the shadow of the coronavirus — far more than we can fit into the newspaper.
Still in print:
As you see, we continue to print as usual, though readers may experience a little delay in getting their copies as the Post Office adapts to keep its staff safe. For anyone unable to get to their newsagent, or waiting forlornly for a second-hand copy, the special offer below is for you.
A one-off ten-issue subscription deal now exists alongside the usual Direct Debit introductory offer. It costs just £10: a huge saving on the normal cover and subscription price, and much less than it costs to produce the paper and mail it to out. Yes, we are losing money this way.
There will be no pressure to continue at the end of the ten weeks — although we would be delighted if you chose to, of course.
If you don’t want to cut your poster in half, you can subscribe just as easily by visiting www.churchtimes.co.uk/subscribe; emailing subs@churchtimes.co.uk ; or phoning Tracey on 01603 785911.
Advertising:
Our Classified/Jobs desk remains staffed, and can be reached by email or on 020 7776 1010. Other advertising staff are working remotely, but can be reached via email and on the usual phone numbers.
We are conscious that the virus is likely to introduce delays in the recruitment process for some of our clients. Our “Until Filled” option allows recruiters to repeat advertisements for posts, with altered application and interview dates, until the post is filled satisfactorily. There is every reason, therefore, to carry on advertising jobs as normal.
Church House Bookshop:
Our sister organisation, Church House Bookshop, in Westminster, remains busy, fulfilling orders online. Until further notice, books will be delivered to customers in the UK completely free of any postage & packing charges. The same offer applies to books bought direct from the Canterbury Press, Church House Publishing, and SCM Press sites. Service might be a little slower than we would like.
Church House Bookshop has also compiled a list of suggested titles for these troubled times. This can be found on its website.